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Google+ Gets Much Needed Improvements And Features

Google+ finally has search. And this is among a few other improvements and new features that Google unleashed on the world today. Plus (pun intended), Google+ is now officially open for business. No need to beg for invitations any longer.

While it's still in beta (Google is calling it "field trial"), it makes sense for Google to move as quickly on G+ as possible. While interests remain high, it is nowhere near the level at the beginning.

Techcrunch has a few other features that you might be interested in. I like the new Named Hangout. More than that, we can now do mobile hangouts as well. The Android app has been updated with this new feature and an iOS update will be pushed out soon.

G+ is beginning to take shape and it is vastly different from Facebook. I like the better privacy control that we get with G+. There's also screen sharing, video chats, and a sketch board as well.

How does this compare with Facebook? Google+ should get a second wind with this batch of update but I don't think Google's done. These are not innovative features by any means but it does show that social networks can be more than just about poking people and allowing the purveyors to sell user information to the highest bidder.